Hobatere Concession

Located west of Etosha, Hobatere is a private concession offering an authentic wilderness experience away from the crowds. It's home to elephants, lions,...

Hobatere Concession at a Glance

Location
Damaraland & Kaokoveld, Namibia, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-19.354990, 14.405969
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Low
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry winter) for Etosha wildlife. Year-round for Sossusvlei and the Skeleton Coast.

Getting to Hobatere Concession

Nearest airport: Wabi Lodge Airstrip (FYWL), 345 km away.

Nearest international airport: Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), 471 km away.

Big Five in Hobatere Concession

3 of the Big Five can be found here: Lion, Leopard Tortoise, Black Rhinoceros.

Weather & Climate in Hobatere Concession

The warmest temperatures in Hobatere Concession occur in November, averaging 25.3°C (up to 34.1°C). The coolest conditions are in June at 18.5°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in June with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 29.1%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 23.9°C (rainfall: 62.9mm)
  • February: 24.6°C (rainfall: 64.4mm)
  • March: 25.0°C (rainfall: 55.2mm)
  • April: 24.8°C (rainfall: 6.4mm)
  • May: 22.3°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • June: 18.5°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • July: 18.8°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • August: 21.2°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • September: 23.6°C (rainfall: 0.4mm)
  • October: 25.3°C (rainfall: 0.7mm)
  • November: 25.3°C (rainfall: 10.1mm)
  • December: 25.1°C (rainfall: 16.6mm)

Best Time to Visit Hobatere Concession

The best months to visit Hobatere Concession are April, May, June, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 23.85°C, rainfall 62.9mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 49.8%
  • February: Great, temperature 24.55°C, rainfall 64.4mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 49.4%
  • March: Great, temperature 24.98°C, rainfall 55.2mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 47.6%
  • April: Great, temperature 24.81°C, rainfall 6.4mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 38.4%
  • May: Great, temperature 22.31°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 28.2%
  • June: Great, temperature 18.46°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 29.1%
  • July: Great, temperature 18.81°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 25.3%
  • August: Great, temperature 21.16°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 24.8%
  • September: Great, temperature 23.59°C, rainfall 0.4mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 24.3%
  • October: Great, temperature 25.26°C, rainfall 0.7mm, sunshine 11.9 hrs, humidity 26.1%
  • November: Great, temperature 25.29°C, rainfall 10.1mm, sunshine 12.1 hrs, humidity 31.3%
  • December: Great, temperature 25.1°C, rainfall 16.6mm, sunshine 11.9 hrs, humidity 33.6%

Wildlife in Hobatere Concession

Home to 34 recorded species including 9 birds of prey, 6 iconic birds, 4 antelope & gazelle, 4 big herbivores, 4 waterbirds, 3 big five.

Recommended Packing List for Hobatere Concession

Based on average temperature of 23.2°C, typical conditions, humidity 34%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 23°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Hobatere Concession

4 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

Similar Parks in Damaraland & Kaokoveld

Visitor Tips - Hobatere Concession

We love Hobatere for its intimate, uncrowded feel, offering a truly exclusive safari experience distinct from the busier parts of Etosha. The chance to track desert-adapted wildlife and witness sensational sunsets over the rugged landscape makes it an unforgettable stop on any Namibian itinerary. The lodge feels luxurious and timeless, perfectly complementing the wild surroundings.

Gate Times

Access to Hobatere Concession is generally restricted to guests with confirmed bookings at Hobatere Lodge. There aren't 'gate times' in the traditional sense like a national park; rather, your entry and exit are coordinated with the lodge. We recommend informing the lodge of your estimated arrival time, especially if it's after dark, for a seamless check-in. Permits are not required beyond your lodge booking, which serves as your access.

Tipping

Tipping is a personal gesture, but we recommend budgeting for it. For your safari guide, who is with you daily, a guideline of USD 10-20 per person per day is appropriate for excellent service. For general camp staff, a pooled tip of USD 5-10 per person per day can be left in a communal box, usually at reception, to be shared among housekeepers, chefs, and other support staff. We suggest presenting tips in an envelope at the end of your stay.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Namibia

Travel advisory for Namibia

Hobatere Concession FAQs

When is the best time to visit Hobatere Concession for optimal wildlife viewing?

The dry season, typically from May to October, offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities as animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. This period also features cooler temperatures and less dense vegetation, enhancing visibility during game drives and tracking.

How does the safari experience at Hobatere Concession compare to nearby Etosha National Park?

Hobatere offers a more exclusive and intimate wilderness experience due to its private concession status and significantly lower visitor numbers. Unlike Etosha, Hobatere permits off-road driving, night drives, and specialized tracking activities, providing unique perspectives on its diverse wildlife, including elusive nocturnal species.

What unique safari activities are available at Hobatere Concession, particularly regarding its mentioned night drives and tracking?

Hobatere specializes in immersive night drives, allowing guests to encounter nocturnal animals like aardvark, pangolin, and various predators under the stars, which are not typically seen during day safaris. Expert trackers also lead dedicated tracking excursions, offering an exciting opportunity to follow fresh spoor and learn about the intricate behaviors of species like rhino and lion.

What kind of accommodation can I expect at Hobatere Concession, and how does it contribute to the authentic wilderness feel?

Hobatere typically features a single, exclusive lodge designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment, offering comfortable yet rustic accommodations. Staying here provides a truly immersive experience, with direct access to the concession's private game viewing areas and a strong sense of being isolated in the wild.

What are the chances of encountering black and white rhino at Hobatere, and what makes their conservation efforts notable here?

Hobatere is renowned for its successful rhino conservation program, offering excellent chances to spot both black and white rhino, often through dedicated tracking efforts. The private nature of the concession allows for focused anti-poaching and monitoring, making it a crucial sanctuary for these endangered species.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Bradt Guide: Namibia by Chris McIntyre - Comprehensive guide to Namibia - Etosha, Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast, Damaraland. Self-drive routes, camp reviews, and wildlife guides.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.